Platt shows promise at Coleraine
Monday, September 15, 2008
Article summary
Despite losing a much-loved manager back in May, Coleraine FC are upsetting expectations in Northern Ireland with 33-year-old David Platt proving that experience is not an essential attribute of a successful coach.
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Surprise move
Platt's Bannsiders moved into pole position as the pupil overcame his former master, triumphing 3-1 at home against a Bangor FC side bossed by Marty Quinn, who had been in charge at Coleraine for the previous eight-and-a-half years, with Platt as his assistant for the last two of them. Quinn's decision to depart Coleraine and join the promoted Seasiders in May of this year had been quite a shock, as was the appointment of Platt as his successor.
Early retirement
Platt – not to be confused with the former England midfielder – was only 33 at the time of getting the job, but he had years of coaching experience behind him. A former goalkeeper with Coleraine, and also north-west neighbours Limavady United FC, plus Derry City FC and Finn Harps FC in the Republic of Ireland, Platt's playing career was ended early by injury at the age of just 24. Platt joined the coaching staff at Coleraine and, under Quinn, progressed to become reserve team boss and then assistant manager.
Family connection
Perhaps it should not be too surprising that he has gone into management as he's following the example of his uncle Jim Platt. Not only was Jim a goalkeeper, winning 23 caps for Northern Ireland, he also became a manager, first with Coleraine's arch-rivals Ballymena United FC, then with the Bannsiders themselves, spending six seasons in charge between 1985 and 1991.
'Early days'
The younger Platt was obviously happy to take Coleraine to the top of the table, acknowledging that the "supporters should enjoy it because it's been a long time". However, he was quick to point out that it is only "12 points out of 18" and that "it's very early days yet". Indeed, champions Linfield FC have only played four games in the league so far, taking ten points, so Coleraine will not get carried away.
Ballymena bottom
Yet at least they have begun brightly, which is a tribute to their young manager. Coleraine may also look down smugly to the very bottom of the table where their old enemies Ballymena are stuck, despite having brought the experienced Roy Walker back into Northern Irish league football. The man who led Crusaders FC to titles in 1995 and 1997 has not enjoyed an easy return after a lengthy sabbatical – the Braidmen have picked up just two points from five league games.